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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.